TRAIN CONTROL AND OPERATIONS

ATO (automatic train operation) and ATC (automatic train control) systems are evaluated relative to available technology and cost-benefit. The technological evaluation shows that suitable mathematical models of the dynamics of long trains are required before substantial improvements can be made to ATO systems, and the present ATC systems are presently near optimum. The cost-benefit analysis concludes that only railroads which find CTC (centralized traffic control) economically desirable will also find that ATC offers improved operating economies. ATO does not seem economically or politically practical in the general railroad environment. A brief evaluation is made of both the contribution of the railroad locomotive to air pollution and the possible means of controlling this pollution. (DOT abstract)

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142
• Authors:
  • Hergenrother, K
• Publication Date: 1971-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 34 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adaptive control; Analysis; Automatic control; Automatic train control; Automatic train operation; Benefit cost analysis; Centralized traffic control; Costs; Environment; Human factors engineering; Human machine systems; Pollution; Railroad tracks; Railroad trains; Railroad transportation; Surveys
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cost analysis
• Old TRIS Terms: Environmental surveys
• Subject Areas: Environment; Finance; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039264
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-TSC-FRA-71-5 Final Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 1973 12:00AM